It Doesn’t Get Any Greener Than This: Spain's Costa Verde

Here's an almost secret tip: despite its undisputed beauty, the Costa Verde, the wild natural landscape on the Spanish Atlantic coast, has so far been spared from mass tourism. Between Galicia and Cantabria, the majority of holidaymakers are Spanish. The region is characterised by a particularly mild, not too dry climate, which is why the lush vegetation extends all the way to the sea. The cultural traditions of the original Celtic population are still recognisable today, especially in the music and cuisine. Whether by hire car from Santiago de Compostela or on the luxury Costa Verde Express train, a tour through this region is certainly something special. You could book the return flight from Bilbao.

Spain Info - Costa Verde

Planning another day in Santiago? Then a visit to the Galician Centre for Contemporary Art (CGAC) is a good idea. It houses a large collection of modern art, including many Galician artworks. The museum's terraces also offer a chic view of the old town. If you fancy a snack, head down to the Mercado de Abastos, the large market hall in the historic city centre. The locals also eat there. Another highlight is the ‘City of Culture’ on Monte Gaiás, an unfortunately unfinished architectural sculpture by New York architect Peter Eisenman. 

Spain Info - Contemporary Art

Now it's getting fishy, but in a good way. The large coastal town of Gijón, just half an hour's drive from Oviedo, has grown out of what is probably the most beautiful fishing district in the north of Spain. The former village of Cimadevilla, now the old town, was founded in the 16th century and looks incredibly romantic. Instead of fishermen's huts, there are now restaurants, bars and boutiques. A park with sculptures has been created on the Santa Catalina hill, which is also part of the old town, and the historic Revillagigedo Palace, an international art centre, can also be found there. There are some very good restaurants on the promenade above the beach, which also serve fresh fish. In the evening, when the tide comes in, you have a marvellous view of the sea from there.

Spain Info - Gijón

The furthest back in human history is a sensational discovery made in 1879: the Altamira Cave. It is located just over an hour's drive from Arriondas and contains prehistoric cave paintings that are around 14,000 years old. These paintings have been meticulously recreated in the Neocueva (new cave) of the Altamira Museum. This is because the original cave, just a few metres away, must remain protected. Further along the route, just ten minutes away by car, is a small medieval town with a unique flair: Santillana del Mar. The flower-decorated stone houses, palaces and churches as well as the Colegiata de Santa Juliana, an important Romanesque sacred building, complete the journey into the past.

Spain Info - Altamira

You need at least two days to visit Bilbao - even if the journey from Santander only takes a little over an hour. In addition to the famous Guggenheim Museum by Frank O. Gehry, the steel sculptures by Richard Serra, the giant spider ‘Maman’ by Louise Bourgeois or the ‘Tulips’ by Jeff Koons, there is simply an incredible amount to see. For example, the Azkuna Zentroa by Philippe Starck, a leisure, art and cultural centre with a glass swimming pool. Or the historic Artxanda cable car, which was built in 1915 by the Swiss company Von Roll. There is a fabulous restaurant at the mountain station: the ‘Txakoli Simón’. Make sure you book! The pintxo bars in the old town, where tapas are served on skewers, are also perfect for a truly Basque farewell evening.

Edelweiss Destination Bilbao

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Spain Info